Birth Story

July 10, 2013

Tears
swell in my eyes because I get to look in my baby's eyes everyday and
tell him how much i love him. And BOY, do I love him so.

Here is a look in to my hospital journey....

My baby was breech so we had to get a C-Section. My doctor talked me out of trying to turn the baby (aversion method) because he said i was out of room and stomach was too tight. I listened to his advice, but I know there are many women who have success in the baby actually turning during this procedure. I did everything I could to turn him-played music down by my hips, stood on my hand in the pool, flashlights, etc. Nothing worked. I was prayerful about the decision and it felt right to move forward with the C-section. He warned me that the aversion method can be stressful for the baby and lead to an emergency C-section..i didn't want that! Dr. Gulinson is apparently one of the best C-Section doctors (according to the nurses at Banner Thunderbird Hospital), so I felt very confident in his abilities. I also began severely itching a lot on my palms, feet and legs and I couldn't sleep. I went in for my last appointment right after I had worked a graveyard shift at the psych hospital. I was soooo exhausted and excited to get him to sleep. The doctor had other plans for us though! No sleep for me. The doctor said my itching was a symptom of cholestasis, a common liver disease in pregnancy. This can cause stillbirth and some other issues so my doctor moved up my C-section to that day. He told me to go get our bags and go to the hospital. he said we were going to have the baby that day!!! I was excited to have him earlier so I would stop itching, but i was definitely wanting to get some sleep.

I had visible bruises on the outside of my ribs where the little stinker was head butting me. I was always uncomfortable and it hurt so much (just like most pregnant women say). I look back and think that I would triple the pain for this little guy. I would do it all over again 10 times. The love a mother has for their child is like no other i can describe. I really didn't understand that love until i experienced it, and I'm sure i have so much more to learn about this motherly love over time.

So much to learn!

^^^Our first picture as PARENTS^^^

Our baby was 8'10 and 20.5 inches long. I was very emotional that they wouldn't let me hold the baby right after the surgery. My arms were strapped down during the C-Section and there seemed to be a disconnect between my 9 months of carrying this baby and actually having the baby. I felt like i didn't get to experience the delivery process, and it was hard not holding the baby for 3 hours. I was in the recovery room for the 3 hours just thinking about my baby and worrying that he was ok. I'm just happy he was healthy and in the end i really don't care how he came into this world.
I can't imagine a more perfect little spirit sent to us. I know he was meant to be ours every time I hold him in my arms. We love our little boy.